2 Chronicles 29:28

KJV

And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: [and] all [this continued] until the burnt offering was finished.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the congregation {H6951} worshipped {H7812}, and the singers {H7892} sang {H7891}, and the trumpeters {H2689} sounded {H2690}{H2690}: and all this continued until the burnt offering {H5930} was finished {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole assembly prostrated themselves, the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

Berean Standard Bible

The whole assembly was worshiping, the singers were singing, and the trumpeters were playing. All this continued until the burnt offering was completed.

American Standard Version

And all the assembly worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt-offering was finished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 29:28 vividly captures the profound and synchronized worship of the entire Israelite congregation during King Hezekiah's pivotal Temple restoration. As the sacred burnt offering was presented, a unified chorus of worship, song, and trumpet blasts filled the air, continuing without interruption until the atoning sacrifice was fully consumed. This verse encapsulates the essence of a nation's spiritual renewal, marked by corporate devotion, meticulous adherence to divine ritual, and the joyful, sustained expression of praise in the presence of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 2 Chronicles 29, a chapter detailing King Hezekiah's immediate and zealous efforts to restore proper worship in Judah after the apostate reign of his father, Ahaz. The narrative begins with Hezekiah reopening and cleansing the defiled Temple ([2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah Reopens the Temple")) and consecrating the Levites for service ([2 Chronicles 29:4-19](/2_chronicles/29-4-19 "2 Chronicles 29:4-19 - Consecration of the Levites")). Following this purification, a grand sin offering is made for the nation's defilement ([2 Chronicles 29:20-24](/2_chronicles/29-20-24 "2 Chronicles 29:20-24 - The Sin Offering")), setting the stage for the burnt offering described in verse 28. The burnt offering, a sacrifice of full dedication and atonement, was accompanied by the Levitical musicians and priests, whose roles were established by David and Gad ([2 Chronicles 29:25-27](/2_chronicles/29-25-27 "2 Chronicles 29:25-27 - Music and Sacrifice")). Thus, verse 28 marks the powerful crescendo of this initial phase of restoration, where the people's active, unified participation in worship culminates alongside the completion of the central sacrificial rite, signifying a complete return to God's prescribed order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah around 715 BC, inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and spiritual decay, largely due to the policies of his father, King Ahaz, who had even closed the Temple doors ([2 Chronicles 28:24](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz Closes the Temple")). Hezekiah's reign represented a radical departure, prioritizing the immediate and thorough restoration of Yahweh worship. The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual epicenter of the nation, and its defilement and neglect signified a broken covenant relationship with God. The burnt offering (Hebrew: *'olah*), meaning "that which goes up," was one of the oldest and most significant sacrifices in Israelite worship, symbolizing complete dedication to God and serving as a means of atonement. Music played a crucial, organized role in Temple liturgy, having been meticulously arranged by King David centuries earlier ([1 Chronicles 25](/1_chronicles/25 "1 Chronicles 25 - Organization of Temple Musicians")). Trumpets often signaled solemnity, divine presence, and significant moments in the ritual. The collective participation of "all the congregation" was not merely passive observation but an active, communal expression of repentance, renewed covenant, and adoration, reflecting the corporate identity of Israel as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles 29 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the **Restoration of True Worship** after a period of national apostasy, underscoring Hezekiah's zeal and God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to Himself. The meticulous adherence to established liturgical practices, including the specific roles of priests, Levites, and musicians, emphasizes the theme of **Order and Divine Prescription** in worship, demonstrating the importance of following God's commands precisely. The phrase "all the congregation worshipped" profoundly illustrates **Corporate and Unified Devotion**, emphasizing that worship is not merely an individual or priestly act but a communal expression involving every member of God's people, fostering a sense of shared purpose and spiritual solidarity. Furthermore, the continuous nature of the worship "until the burnt offering was finished" speaks to the theme of **Thoroughness and Completion** in spiritual acts, signifying that the people's commitment was unwavering and their worship was sustained until the divine ritual was fully accomplished. This scene also foreshadows the nation's subsequent spiritual renewal and God's blessing upon Hezekiah's reign, as seen in later chapters of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, שָׁחָה, _shâchâh_):** This verb literally means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." In a religious context, it signifies deep reverence, submission, and adoration towards God. It implies a physical posture that reflects an inner attitude of humility and awe in the presence of the divine. The use of this word here emphasizes the profound, physical, and heartfelt submission of the entire congregation to the Lord during this sacred ceremony, indicating a genuine turning of the heart.
* **Singers (Hebrew, שִׁיר, _shîyr_):** Derived from the verb "to sing" (H7891), this noun (H7892) refers to those designated for musical praise, specifically the Levitical choirs established by David for Temple service. Their role was to lead the congregation in melodic praise, adding beauty, solemnity, and joy to the worship experience. The presence of "singers" highlights the integral and organized role of music as an expression of devotion in Israelite worship, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere.
* **Finished (Hebrew, כָּלָה, _kâlâh_):** This primitive root means "to be completed," "to be consumed," or "to come to an end." In this context, it refers to the entire process of the burnt offering, from its slaughter to its complete consumption by fire on the altar. The worship, singing, and trumpeting continued without cessation until this entire sacrificial ritual was fully accomplished, underscoring the thoroughness, patience, and unwavering focus of the people's devotion and the divine acceptance of the offering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the congregation worshipped":** This clause emphasizes the collective and universal participation of the people. It was not just the priests or Levites, but the entire assembly—men, women, and children—who engaged in an act of profound reverence and submission to God. This highlights the corporate nature of worship and the unity of purpose in their spiritual renewal, demonstrating a shared commitment to the Lord.
* **"and the singers sang":** This specifies the active role of the Levitical musicians. Their singing provided a structured and melodious expression of praise, leading the congregation in worship and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the Temple service. It underscores the importance of intentional and organized musical accompaniment in their sacred rituals, adding an element of joy and beauty.
* **"and the trumpeters sounded":** The trumpeters, likely priests, used silver trumpets to punctuate the sacrificial ceremony. The sounding of trumpets often signaled divine presence, solemnity, and significant moments in the Temple liturgy, amplifying the sense of awe and reverence during the offering. This indicates a precise, ordered, and divinely ordained sequence of events, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
* **"[and] all [this continued] until the burnt offering was finished"**: This final clause provides the duration and culmination of the synchronized worship. The continuous nature of the worship, singing, and trumpeting until the complete consumption of the burnt offering signifies the unwavering dedication and thoroughness with which the entire service was conducted. It implies a sustained focus and commitment to the sacred ritual until its divinely prescribed completion, demonstrating the people's earnestness and patience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is subtly present in the synchronized actions of "worshipped," "sang," and "sounded," emphasizing the unified and continuous nature of the devotion. This creates a powerful sense of communal harmony, order, and shared purpose. **Imagery** is vivid and multisensory, painting a dynamic picture of a bustling, yet reverent, Temple court filled with the sounds of prostration, melodic praise, and piercing trumpet blasts, all focused on the rising smoke of the burnt offering. This rich sensory detail immerses the reader in the scene, allowing them to almost hear and see the worship. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Culmination**, serving as the peak of the initial restoration efforts described in the chapter. The sustained worship until the offering is "finished" symbolizes the completeness and integrity of Hezekiah's reforms, suggesting a full and unreserved return to God. The **Symbolism** of the burnt offering itself, representing total dedication and atonement, is profoundly amplified by the accompanying, unbroken worship, linking the people's spiritual state directly to the sacrificial act and its divine acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 29:28 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true worship and national repentance. It demonstrates that genuine spiritual renewal involves both the cleansing of defilement (as seen in earlier verses of the chapter) and a wholehearted return to God's prescribed forms of worship. The synchronized actions of the congregation, singers, and trumpeters highlight the importance of unity and order in corporate worship, where every participant, in their respective roles, contributes to a collective act of praise and submission. The continuity of worship "until the burnt offering was finished" underscores the need for perseverance and thoroughness in our devotion, ensuring that our spiritual acts are complete and unreserved. This passage affirms that God delights in the unified, joyful, and ordered worship of His people, especially when it flows from a heart of repentance and dedication, reflecting the covenant relationship He desires to restore and maintain.

* [Psalm 100:2](/psalm/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness") - Emphasizes serving the Lord with gladness and coming before Him with joyful songs, echoing the joyful, musical element of worship in 2 Chronicles 29.
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together") - Encourages believers not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, highlighting the ongoing importance of corporate worship and mutual encouragement in the New Covenant.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices") - Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is their spiritual worship, drawing a powerful parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 29:28 offers a powerful blueprint for contemporary worship and spiritual life. It challenges believers to move beyond passive observation and embrace active, wholehearted participation in corporate worship. Just as the entire congregation, singers, and trumpeters were united in their roles, so too should the church today strive for a unified, Spirit-led expression of praise, where every member contributes their gifts and presence. The continuity of worship until the offering was finished reminds us that our devotion should be sustained, not fleeting, and our commitment to God's presence and purposes should be unwavering, reflecting a deep and abiding relationship. This passage encourages us to examine the order and intentionality of our worship, ensuring it is reverent, joyful, and aligned with biblical principles, fostering an atmosphere where God's presence is honored and spiritual renewal can flourish. Ultimately, it calls us to a life of sustained, corporate, and deeply engaged worship that reflects our complete dedication to the Lord in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I move from being a passive observer to an active, engaged participant in corporate worship?**
* **How does the "finished" nature of the burnt offering challenge me to consider the thoroughness and completeness of my own spiritual disciplines and acts of devotion?**
* **What role do unity and order play in my understanding and experience of worship, both individually and corporately, and how can I contribute to them?**
* **How can the example of Hezekiah's reforms inspire me to prioritize and pursue true, God-centered worship in my own life and community today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the burnt offering in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: The burnt offering (*'olah*) was one of the most ancient and significant sacrifices in Israelite worship, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. Unlike other offerings where parts were returned to the worshipper or priests, the entire animal (except for the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, signifying a total surrender and ascent to God. It was offered for general sin, to express devotion, or to consecrate oneself or the nation to God, as seen in this context of national repentance and renewal under Hezekiah. The continuous burning of the offering, accompanied by the sustained worship, underscored the totality of the dedication and the seriousness of the atonement being made before God.

**How does 2 Chronicles 29:28 illustrate the importance of music in worship?**

Answer: This verse explicitly mentions "the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded," highlighting the integral and organized role of music in the Temple liturgy. Music was not merely entertainment but a divinely ordained means of expressing praise, reverence, and joy. The Levitical singers and priestly trumpeters provided a structured accompaniment that enhanced the spiritual atmosphere, led the congregation in worship, and marked significant moments in the sacrificial rites. This demonstrates that music, when used purposefully and skillfully, is a powerful tool for facilitating corporate worship and drawing worshippers into deeper communion with God, a practice established by King David himself for the Temple service ([1 Chronicles 25:1-7](/1_chronicles/25-1-7 "1 Chronicles 25:1-7 - David Organizes Musicians")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fervent worship and completed burnt offering in 2 Chronicles 29:28 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the burnt offering, was a shadow pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single offering on the cross was definitively "finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), accomplishing complete atonement once for all ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Just as the congregation worshipped until the offering was consumed, so too our worship is now directed to Christ, who is both the perfect sacrifice and the Great High Priest who mediates our access to God ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest")). The unified worship of the people in Hezekiah's time foreshadows the spiritual worship of the church, the body of Christ, who are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) and to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through Christ, the need for continuous animal sacrifices has ceased, and we now participate in a worship that is continuous, not bound by temple walls, but offered by a redeemed people who have been cleansed and restored by His blood ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Psalms 89:15

¶ Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalms 68:24

They have seen thy goings, O God; [even] the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

Psalms 68:26

Bless ye God in the congregations, [even] the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.